I am a very southern girl who loves to stay busy. I have an active eight-year old artist and wonderful active duty husband. We live in Georgia and from my porch, I get the best views of trees and pollen.

Tell us three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.

That's a good one. I don't want to shock the viewers but here goes. I have a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering. I use to know how to knit, crotchet, and embroider. Oh, I am a big time foodie. From new and trendy to old fashion or quaint, if it has a great appetizers menu, I'll be there to graze.

Were you an avid reader as a child? What did you read?

Yes, I was. I loved Bible stories and reading new takes on them. I also loved romance and tragedies: Romeo and Juliet, Oedipus, etc.

As a child or teenager, did you ever dream of being an author?

I loved writing poetry, even winning a few awards. I have always had stories running through my head. Now I love them finding their way to paper.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

The quirkiest thing I ever did was become engaged to a man after dating him for a month. All my friends thought I was nut. We celebrate our 17thanniversary this August.

What is your favorite genre to read?

I love historical romances. I particularly love Regencies. The wit of the dialogue, the color of the settings, and the strict code of honor and behavior, all delight me and get the creative juices flowing.

Share something about your day-to-day life that might help a reader to feel as though they know you a little better.

On an ideal day, from 8:00 am to noon, I home school my daughter. From noon to 7:00 pm, I run my software business. From 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm, I unwind or do chores, then put my girl to bed. Then from 11:00 pm to 2:30 am, I write. Nonetheless, I don't have ideal days. Typically, everything gets mashed together and things happen all at once. Luckily, I don't get too mixed up. I haven't tried to put my daughter in the washing machine, yet.

Tell us about yourlatestbook.

Madeline's Protectoris a Christian Regency. The romantic novel is set in 1800's England and tells the story of two strangers, a reforming rake and sheltered but devout duke's daughter, who are forced to marry to save their families' honor. They must learn to trust each other in order to stop the evil, which threatens all they hold dear. The book is filled with danger, suspicion, and romance.

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

It was a dream I had in high school that I wrote as a short story in a diary. I think I had just overdosed on Pride and Prejudice's movies and a reading assignment for Jane Austen's Emma. A few years ago, I found that diary and started plotting and developing the tale into a full-length story.

Did you have to do quite a bit of research for this book?

Lots and lots of research. My website, http://www.christianregency.com showcases a portion of my notes. I had to research fashions, etiquette, and prevalent beliefs of the time. One fatal flaw for a historical writer is to assume present day motivations existed back then. For the most part, they did not. It would be wrong to dress ladies up in corsets and walking gowns and expect them to grouse about not having the right to vote or not having a career. You have to immerse yourself in the period and its conventions. For me learning about the Regency, is a labor of love.

What do you hope readers will learn/discover from readingMadeline's Protector?

I hope readers will see in Madeline's and Justain's journey, that despite the circumstances God has a plan for their lives. He will work all things for the good, who love and trust Him. Reader should also be reminded approval should not come from man but the God who made them.